Chapter 17: A Canterlot Wedding - Part 1
It was nighttime in Ponyville as everypony is asleep during this time and have very lovely dreams thanks to the Princess of the Night. However, at (Y/N)'s house things will go a little different for him tonight.
He is seen asleep in his bed as he stirs and shifts a little similar to another time that happened. He groans as the tip of his horn get's a small white glow.
He then wakes up and his vision adjusts for him to then see a large castle filled with holes straight ahead of him which confuses him.
(Y/N): What is that?!
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Hey there.
(Y/N) recognizes that voice as he looks all around for it.
(Y/N): You again? What are you doing here?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Look around you, what do you see?
(Y/N) simply just turns his head side to side and shrugs his shoulder.
(Y/N): Um. . . nothing.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) What's nothing? Be specific, (Y/N).
(Y/N): Uh. . . a land completely lifeless with a scary castle at the center?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Good, and. . .?
(Y/N): I see some. . . things floating around the castle.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) *chuckles* Well. . . I wouldn't call it a castle. It's more of a hive.
(Y/N): A hive?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Walk closer to it and you'll see.
(Y/N) starts walking towards the said hive as he looks at it with a sharp eye to tell if he could see anything. When he got close enough, he sees some weird creatures with moderate artic blue eyes, sea greenish black bodies, dark artic bluish gray manes, and they also had insect like wings, curved horns on their heads, holes in their legs, and jagged ears.
(Y/N) was just shocked at how these creatures looked.
(Y/N): What in Equestria are those things?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Changelings.
(Y/N): What's a changeling?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) They are creatures whose nature and desire to feed on the love of other creatures.
(Y/N): They feed on love? That sounds like trouble.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Like you would not believe.
(Y/N): So why are you showing me this?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Because these changelings are to invade all of Equestria soon.
(Y/N): Really?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Trust me when I say that changelings are smart. They have the ability to shape shift themselves into other things, including other ponies.
(Y/N): So what I'm guessing is that they'll invade soon and you're telling me that it's up to me and my friends to stop these creatures as well?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) *chuckles* You are a smart boy, (Y/N). Just as I thought.
(Y/N): Well hey, if I got to save the entire world then I'm all ears to what you have to say. We've already defeated Nightmare Moon and brought Princess Luna back to Equestria, we stopped a crazy draconequus psycho from making all of Equestria his entire playground. I say that we're capable of taking these things down.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) I'm glad to hear that, (Y/N). However, I should warn you about another thing.
(Y/N): What's that?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) There is a leader of all of these changelings and she's the queen.
(Y/N): Like a bee hive?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Correct, except that they don't produce honey. *laughs*
(Y/N): You know for someone who's giving me a warning about an event coming up, you sure got a sense of humor.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Well, I believe that it's right to be happy even in the darkest of times.
(Y/N): Eh, you're not wrong.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) So what you say, (Y/N)? Will you stand up to these changelings and save Equestria once again?
(Y/N): Are you kidding? My mother didn't send me here to just lay around Ponyville, monkeying about. Of course I'll save the world! It's what I was destined to do.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Excellent! I'm happy to here that, (Y/N)! Also. . . monkeying about?
(Y/N): What? It's a term that ponies use.
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Oh really? What ponies?
(Y/N) get's a conflicted look at that.
(Y/N): Uh. . .
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Exactly.
(Y/N): *sighs* Are you going to keep making comments about my sentences or can I wake up now?
Mysterious Voice: (Echo) Yes, you're allowed to wake up now. Leave it to me.
As soon as that was said, a bright light envelopes (Y/N) as it blinded his vision for him to wake up from the lucid dream.
He was back in his room in reality as he rubs his eyes and stretches before looking outside to see that it was sunrise.
(Y/N): I'll find the signs of the changelings arriving and put a stop to it. However, right now I'll continue to enjoy my happiness for right now. We're going to have a picnic together today and I honestly do want some calm quality time with my friends.
It is now complete daytime in the park lands outside of Ponyville as the Mane 7 were all gathered around each other enjoying a lovely picnic with a quiet blue sky and butterflies passing by them. Rarity decked out in a sun hat and pink neckerchief and sighs contentedly, Pinkie pours some tea in a cup, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were respectively sipping a beverage through a straw and eating a sandwich, and (Y/N) was laying napkins out for everypony.
Rarity: It is gorgeous out. Just gorgeous!
(Y/N): I agree. I'm glad we were all able to get together today like this.
Twilight then levitates an apple from the picnic basket, but before she can get her teeth into the fruit, everypony hears approaching footsteps as they turn to where it was coming from and the pony, or dragon responsible for those footsteps were Spike as he runs all the up to Twilight out of breath from running so fast.
Spike: Twi. . . light! . . .I. . . have. . . Lemme just. . .
Spike then heaves first for air, then he belches out scroll onto the grass. Twilight then levitates it up to read it out to everypony.
Twilight Sparkle: "Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot."
(Y/N): Wedding? This is the first that I'm hearing of that.
Twilight Sparkle: Me too. This must be a very special one if they're inviting us. "I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music."
Fluttershy: Oh my goodness! What an honor!
Twilight Sparkle: "Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception."
Pinkie then cartwheels over to Spike in excitement.
Pinkie Pie: Hip, hip, hooray!
Twilight Sparkle: Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception.
Applejack: Well, color me pleased as punch!
Twilight Sparkle: "Rainbow Dash-"
Rainbow Dash yawns thinking that her role of being invited to the wedding is pointless, but what Twilight says next will change her mind.
Twilight Sparkle: ". . .I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their "I do"'s."
Rainbow's brain slips far enough out of gear to make her bite down on the hoof she was using to cover her yawn and she then gets excited as she flies up.
Rainbow Dash: Yes!
Twilight Sparkle: "Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids."
Rarity got so flabbergasted by this that she started to speak unintelligible.
Rarity: Princess Celestia wants me to *gibberish* . . .wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding. . . I, ah, ooh, oooh!
Her tongue freewheels a bit as she totters on her hind legs and eventually keels over with a big grin on her face.
Twilight Sparkle: "(Y/N), I would like for you to speak to the groom about what your role in the wedding will be."
(Y/N): Me? The groom is specifically going to bestow me, a job for the wedding? I'll be more than honored for whatever he gives to me.
Twilight Sparkle: "And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia." But. . . I don't understand. Who's getting married?
Spike: Oh, wait! Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.
Spike then pulls out a second scroll and hands it to Twilight who then reads it.
Twilight Sparkle: Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and. . . *gasps* My brother?!
(Y/N): Shining Armor's getting married?!
Twilight then quickly turns to (Y/N) in shock when he says her brothers name.
Twilight Sparkle: Wait! You know my brother?!
(Y/N): Oh. . . yeah actually. We met each other when I was visiting Canterlot awhile ago by myself.
Twilight's shock then turns into anger as she gets up in (Y/N)'s face and glares at him.
Twilight Sparkle: You knew my brother?! And you never TOLD ME?!
(Y/N) was little taken back by Twilight's anger as he recoiled.
(Y/N): S-Sorry. I guess it just slipped my mind when I came back from my trip.
Twilight Sparkle: So you mean to tell me that all of this time after you've been to Canterlot for the very first time, you've NEVER got him inside of your mind again to even tell me?!
(Y/N): W-Well of course I think about him, it's just. . . oh. . . I see what you mean.
Twilight Sparkle: *mocking* Hey, Twilight just so you know I came back from Canterlot today and I saw everypony except your brother.
(Y/N): Okay one, I'm sorry. I really am. Two, that was a terrible impression of me.
Twilight Sparkle: Still though, why have you never mentioned this to me? Am I not trustworthy to hear that you've met my family members?
(Y/N) then wraps one hoof around Twilight while looking at her with guilt.
(Y/N): You're my best friend. Of course, you're trustworthy. It just never got to my attention that I needed to remind you that I met your brother. Besides, it's not like we're right in front of him right now so better late than never right?
Twilight sighs before smiling at (Y/N).
Twilight Sparkle: Well. . . I can't stay mad at you. And you're right, we're not meeting him right now.
Applejack: This is great news for ya Twilight! Your brother is getting married!
She then casts a disgusted glance toward Canterlot, which appears to be enclosed in a spherical pink bubble.
Twilight Sparkle: *sarcastically* Yeah, great news. That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armor. I mean, really, he couldn't tell me personally?
(Y/N): Maybe he had duties to attend to at Canterlot. It would make sense considering he's the captain of the Royal Guard.
Twilight Sparkle: I know he's the captain! But I'm his sister! He should know better to actually tell big things to their family members personally! And Princess Mi Amore Cadenza? Who in the hoof is that?!
Twilight then snorts out some steam in anger and Fluttershy flies over to her.
Fluttershy: Um, Twilight? Are you okay?
Twilight Sparkle: Sorry about my attitude, it's just that Shining Armor and I have always been so close. He's my B.B.B.F.F!
This acronym elicits a round of befuddled stares from the rest of the Mane 7 and Spike.
(Y/N): Your what. . .?
Twilight Sparkle: Big Brother Best Friend Forever?
Mane 6: Ohhh!
Twilight Sparkle: Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship, Shining Armor was the only pony I ever really accepted as a friend.
Twilight Sparkle: When I was just a filly, I found it rather silly
To see how many other ponies I could meet
I had my books to read, didn't know that I would ever need
Other ponies to make my life complete
But there was one colt that I cared for
I knew he would be there for me
My big brother, best friend forever!
Like two peas in a pod, we did everything together
He taught me how to fly a kite (Best friend forever!)
We never had a single fight (We did everything together!)
We shared our hopes, we shared our dreams
I miss him more than I realized
It seems. . .
Mane 6: Your big brother, best friend forever
Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together
Twilight Sparkle: And though he's, oh, so far away
I hoped that he would stay
My big brother best friend
Forever. . .
Forever. . .
Applejack: As one of your P.F.F.'s. . .
Puzzled looks came from everypony once again.
Applejack: Pony Friends Forever. . .
Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike: Ohhh!
(Y/N): You know you really should say the words before making them into an acronym.
Applejack: . . .I wanna tell you that I think your brother sounds like a real good guy.
Twilight Sparkle: He is pretty special.
(Y/N): And like I said, he's the captain of the Royal Guard. I should know since I've seen his skills at fighting similar to me.
Rarity then rushes up to (Y/N) with a look that suggests that her mental transmission is about to blow. Just as quickly, she regains her composure.
Rarity: So let me get this straight. We're helping out with the wedding of not only a princess, but a captain of the Royal Guard? And not only do you know him (Y/N), he's also Twilight's sister?
Both (Y/N) and Twilight look at each other before shrugging resignedly.
Twilight Sparkle and (Y/N): I guess we are.
Rarity then gets ready to dramatically faint once again as (Y/N) rolls his eyes and levitates a pillow for her to land her head on. The rest of the ponies then let out excited chatter as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fly up and do some loops in excitement while Pinkie and Applejack dance a little.
The Mane 7 were now on their way to Canterlot as railroad tracks snake across the green outskirts and up the mountain, and puffs of steam rise from behind a distant hill to mark a train's progress toward the great city. Everypony was just excited about their roles to have at the wedding.
Rainbow Dash: A sonic rainboom? At a wedding?! Can you say "best wedding ever"?!
As they go through a tunnel, Pinkie decides to yell what Rainbow Dash asked.
Pinkie Pie: BEST WEDDING EVER!
As they go through the tunnels, Spike talks about his roles for the wedding.
Spike: So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding, but I'm the one who gets to host the bachelor party! I have just one question. What's a bachelor party?
Meanwhile, Twilight and (Y/N) were sitting on the other side of where their friends were and Twilight was just staring out the window morosely while (Y/N) just comforts her.
(Y/N): I know you're still disappointed that Shining Armor never telling you about the wedding and I'm technically guilty for that as well, but let's not forget that you'll also be there to support him as well.
Twilight Sparkle: I know. . . and I'm more than honored to help my brother, but ever since I moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with this "Princess Mi Amore Ca-whatshername", we'll probably never see each other.
(Y/N): (Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. . .? Could it be Princess Cadance? It sounds very similar, just more fancy.) But he's your brother, I'm sure he would make time for you.
Twilight Sparkle: Couldn't seem to make time to tell me he was getting married.
Twilight says that bitterly as she pulls the shades on the windows down.
As the Mane 7 arrive in Canterlot, a checkpoint has been set up and staffed by two unicorn guards who were holding spears crossed to block the path and just beyond the checkpoint is the smooth expanse of the pink bubble that encloses Canterlot.
Pinkie Pie: We're here, we're here!
The guards move their spears aside and the train passes through the barrier which was a force field. Inside, the travelers are slightly unsettled by the pink energy washing over them. As the last cars roll by and the field re-establishes itself as the guards re-cross their spears.
The train then arrives at the Canterlot train station as everypony looks out to see that there are a lot of guards out at the station.
Rainbow Dash: Whoa, what's with all the guards?
Rarity: I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions. Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies.
Pinkie then lets out with a sneeze that ejects a burst of confetti and streamers from her nose, then trots cheerfully out.
(Y/N): Define "strange."
Rarity: Well, I meant ruffians specifically darling. Now, let's get going! We've got work to do!
The Mane 7 except for Twilight and (Y/N) then walk ahead.
Applejack: And you've got a big brother to go congratulate.
Applejack says that to Twilight as she trots ahead very bitterly with (Y/N) following her. Two guards uncross their spears to let them by.
Twilight Sparkle: Yeah. "Congratulate." And then give him a piece of my mind.
(Y/N): Don't be too hard on him, okay? Besides, I have to go with you so that I see what favor he wants me to do for the wedding.
Twilight Sparkle: Fine, you coming or what?
(Y/N): I'm right behind you.
At the Canterlot Royal Palace, Princess Celestia could be seen on the balcony peering through a telescope to observe the city for any potential threats.
Meanwhile, an irritated Twilight accompanied by (Y/N) move across a well-guarded courtyard to go and see Twilight's brother, Shining Armor. He was seen atop a wall saluting orders to other guards as they return the gesture and move out. Twilight then calls for his brother as she approaches the palace.
Twilight Sparkle: I've got something to say to you, mister.
Spears are brandished over the wall as Shining Armor leans out. He smiles at seeing his sister and removes his helmet, prompting mild surprise and a lowering of spears by his subordinates.
Shining Armor: Twily!
Full of excitement of seeing his little sister, he instantly gallops down to her with (Y/N) right behind her.
Shining Armor: Ah, I've missed, you, kid. How was the train ride? I-
Twilight Sparkle: How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I'm your sister, for pony's sake!
(Y/N): *mumbles* So much for not being so hard on him.
Shining Armor: It's not my fault! Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all the guards at the train station?
Twilight Sparkle: Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up. Maybe you heard about it?
Shining Armor: It has nothing to do with the wedding. A threat has been made against Canterlot. We don't know who's responsible for it, but Princess Celestia asked that I help provide additional protection.
Twilight raises her eyes at that a bit softened and (Y/N) walks beside her.
(Y/N): See Twilight? I told you that he probably had some important business to take care of.
Shining Armor then notices (Y/N) and smiles at him.
Shining Armor: (Y/N)! I haven't seen you in awhile either. How have you been dude?
Both of them exchange a hoof bump to greet as (Y/N) speaks.
(Y/N): I've been pretty good actually. There really hasn't been any threats in Ponyville, so I've been able to take it easy for awhile.
Shining Armor: That's great to hear.
Twilight Sparkle: So you two do know each other?
Shining Armor: That's right, Twily. And I've got to say, your friend (Y/N) here is very courageous. He also has a lot of experience with combat. Maybe more than me.
Twilight Sparkle: How you know that?
(Y/N): I had a duel with your brother when I was in Canterlot as well.
Twilight looks at (Y/N) surprised by that.
Twilight Sparkle: You what?!
(Y/N): Yep and he has a lot of experience as well. I can see why they choose you to be the captain of the Royal Guard.
Shining Armor: No need to flatter me. I just do what I need to get done and protect the innocents here in Canterlot.
(Y/N): Speaking of which, ever since we came here we've seen this dome around the entire city. Who's responsible for it?
Shining Armor: That's the next thing I need to tell you both. You need to see this.
He then takes a step back to put himself well in the clear, he squeezes his eyes shut and begins to concentrate fiercely. His horn responds with a glow and sudden flare of light. Twilight and (Y/N) shield their eyes from the intensity of the glow as he aims his horn straight up. A beam of energy lances toward the top of the force field surrounding Canterlot, causing the entire surface to pulse briefly with light when it hits. Both of them watch in amazement as Shining Armor is the one responsible for keeping the shield over the entire city of Canterlot. He then winds down the spell and winces, putting a hoof to his temple as it has taken quite a bit out of him. He regains his composure as trots up the steps with (Y/N) and Twilight following.
Shining Armor: The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority.
Twilight thinks for a second on that as they all walk over a bridge.
(Y/N): How long has this threat been going on for?
Shining Armor: Nearly a week, so I haven't been able to do much of anything since then.
(Y/N): I see. It must have exhausting. Especially since you have a wedding coming up.
Shining Armor: You have no idea. Don't you get it now, Twilight?
Twilight Sparkle: Okay, okay, I get it. You've got a really important job protecting all of Canterlot with a force field only you can conjure up. But still. . . how could you not tell me about something as big as your wedding? Am I not that important to you any more?
Shining Armor: Hey. You're my little sister. Of course you're important to me. But I'd understand if you didn't want to be my best mare now.
Shining Armor smiles slyly as he says that and Twilight grew delighted by that.
Twilight Sparkle: You want "me" to be your best mare?
Shining Armor: Well. . . yeah.
Twilight Sparkle: I'd be honored.
They both share a quick hug and (Y/N) smiles at the two before Shining Armor turns to him.
Shining Armor: And (Y/N), I've got a very special job for specifically you.
(Y/N): What's that?
Shining Armor then pulls out a golden helmet with (F/C) linings that was just the right size to fit (Y/N)'s head. Shining Armor then places the helmet on (Y/N)'s head surprising him.
Shining Armor: As captain of the Royal Guard (Y/N), I hereby promote you for the wedding as my corporal.
(Y/N) eyes pop wide open from that in shock.
(Y/N): You want ME to be your corporal?!
Shining Armor: I mean I don't see any other alicorns around here that's capable of fighting. You up for it?
(Y/N): I-I. . . I'm more than honored! You can count on me!
Shining Armor salutes to (Y/N) which he returns. Twilight just watches in shock that (Y/N) is temporarily going to be part of the Royal Guard.
Twilight Sparkle: You and the princess really gave us all big roles for the wedding that would really be our dreams come true.
Shining Armor: What can I say? You all are the Elements of Harmony after all, so I made it a pretty big deal.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, we're thankful.
Shining Armor then gets a thought in his head as he walks over and whispers something to Twilight.
Shining Armor: *whispers* Hey, Twily. Is (Y/N) your boyfriend?
Twilight blushes instantly at that question.
Twilight Sparkle: *whispers* Boyfriend?!
Shining Armor: Come on Twily, I can see it written on your face right now.
Twilight get's what her brother means as she shakes the blush out of her face to then return her serious glare onto Shining Armor.
Twilight Sparkle: One, (Y/N) is NOT my boyfriend. We're just best friends. Two, I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza"?
Shining Armor: Twily, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadance, your old foalsitter.
(Y/N): I thought so.
Twilight grew very surprised by this.
Twilight Sparkle: Cadance? As in the Cadance? As in the greatest foalsitter in all the history of foalsitters?!
Shining Armor: *chuckles* You tell me. She was your foalsitter.
Twilight Sparkle: Ohmygoshohmygosh!
(Flashback)
Young Twilight is seen in a bedroom of the castle and levitating her Smarty Pants doll out of a toy chest and a younger Cadance then walks in.
Twilight Sparkle: Cadance is only the most amazing pony ever! She's beautiful. . .
When Young Twilight notices Cadance, she lets the toy drop and gallops over to hug the young Cadence.
Twilight Sparkle: She's caring. . .
In another scene, Young Cadance magically applies a Band-Aid to a boo-boo on the teary-eyed filly's hind leg as she sits on her haunches. She then wipes away Young Twilight's tears and get's a smile.
Twilight Sparkle: She's kind. . .
Young Twilight is now being pushed by her sitter on a swing set as they both had very happy smiles.
Young Twilight Sparkle: I am so lucky to have you as my foalsitter!
Young Cadance: I'm the one who's lucky, Twilight.
Young Twilight Sparkle: *scoffs* You're a princess.
Young Cadance rolls her eyes at that playfully.
Young Twilight Sparkle: I'm just a regular old unicorn.
Young Cadance: You are anything but a regular old unicorn.
She grabs the young filly in a hug before places her down in front of her and they did a little dance that involved them trotting in place, hunching down to cover then uncover their eyes, sitting down to clap one another's hooves to then stand back up and wiggle their rumps towards each other.
Young Twilight Sparkle and Young Cadance: Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!
They wrap up their performance by falling on their backs and giggling.
Finally, they are both walking down a street together until they hear arguing and they see a mare and stallion face off across a table across the street. Young Twilight gets a conflicted look as Young Cadance warms up her horn to send a flurry of small hearts and a larger one across the street. On the quarreling couple's side, this last splits into two halves, which absorb all the small ones and then snap together to heal the break. Now there are all smiles and affection from the two thanks to Cadance's spell. She allow herself a serene smile before walking off and Young Twilight beams after her.
Twilight Sparkle: How many unicorns can just spread love wherever they go? I only know of one. . .!
(End of Flashback)
Twilight Sparkle: And you're marrying her!
Twilight then bounds around brother very excitedly as (Y/N) chuckles at Twilight being ecstatic.
Twilight Sparkle: You're marrying Cadance! You're marrying Cadance!
As Twilight continues her little happy dance, (Y/N) walks up to Shining Armor with a smile.
(Y/N): Seriously though, congratulations to both of you. Where is Cadance anyway? I'd like to see her again as well.
?: I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.
Both Twilight and (Y/N) then turn to the voice that called out as they looked to see the said princess walking towards them. However, she had a frown on her face.
Twilight Sparkle and (Y/N): Cadance!
Both of them run up to Cadance as (Y/N) had a big smile to meet her once again while Twilight starts their very catchy chant.
Twilight Sparkle: Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!
However the performance elicits not recognition, but a good dose of annoyance from Cadance.
Princess Cadance: What are you doing?
Twilight deflates from that, but straightens up with a smile.
Twilight Sparkle: Cadance, it's me, Twilight!
Princess Cadance: Uh-huh. . .
Princess Cadance then focuses her attention to (Y/N).
Princess Cadance: And who are you?
(Y/N): Cadance, it's me (Y/N). Don't you recognize me? We met not too long ago.
Princess Cadance just stares at (Y/N) before walking ahead of him.
Princess Cadance: Right. . . I suppose it will come to me.
Both of (Y/N) and Twilight's smiles then turn into puzzled disappointment as they look at each other with complete confusion. Shining Armor and Cadance both smile as Shining Armor lays a foreleg across her shoulders.
Shining Armor: I've gotta get back to my station, but Cadance will be checking in with all of you to see how things are going. I think I speak for both of us when I say we couldn't be more excited to have you here. Right, dear?
Princess Cadance then smiles nastily at the two.
Princess Cadance: Absolutely.
Twilight recoils a bit at that venomous tone while (Y/N) goes wide-eyed for a second.
Shining Armor: Well, we'll let you get to it.
Both of the couple then start to walk off while (Y/N) was still surprised from Cadance's weird approach to both of them.
(Y/N): I'm not the only who noticed that right?
Twilight Sparkle: No. . . she seemed different. I honestly never heard her sound so condescending.
(Y/N): Neither have I. When I met her back in Canterlot, she was very polite and she had some sense of humor inside of her as well. This is strange.
Twilight Sparkle: I have to agree. What should we do, (Y/N)?
(Y/N): Let's just keep observing her. I hope I'm wrong, but I think she's up to something.
(Y/N) and Twilight then walk ahead to go and check on their other friends to see how their doing with their roles for the wedding.
In the kitchen of the royal palace, Twilight was sitting grumpily on her haunches with her trusty notepad and pencil floating nearby. (Y/N) just stares and observes everypony else working in the kitchen to see if anything's fishy. Applejack gallops past them having traded her cowboy hat for a toque of her own and an icing bag in her mouth. She then travels up a ladder to then put some icing on the large wedding cake.
Applejack: Cake, check.
Twilight marks it off on her pad, and Applejack gallops past with a small pickaxe in her teeth.
She then shaves a bit off an ice sculpture shaped as a hollowed-out heart.
Applejack: Ice sculpture, check.
This too is marked off and a third gallop takes the chef past the grumbling unicorn and concerned alicorn to an oven, from which she pulls out a tray of snacks.
Applejack: Best darn bite-size apple fritter you ever tasted. . .
Two of these is shoved whole into Twilight's and (Y/N)'s mouth, leaving a sprinkle of crumbs across her cheeks and causing them to smile.
Twilight Sparkle: Mmm. Check.
(Y/N): Double check that one. These are amazing!
Meanwhile, Spike is on the counter playing with the two figurines that are supposed to go on the cake.
Spike: *deep voice* I do. Do you? *high voice* I do!
He then makes loud kissing sounds with the miniatures as Twilight walks up and pulls the figurines out of his claws while (Y/N) gives him a disapproving gaze which makes Spike laugh nervously. The sound of an opening door then gets their attention as they turn back to see Princess Cadance walk through the doors.
Applejack: Hiya, Princess!
Princess Cadance: Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.
Twilight rolls her eyes at that while (Y/N) glares at her slightly. Applejack bows to Cadance before straightening up.
Applejack: Hiya, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. You come to check out what's on the menu for your big day?
Princess Cadance forces a smile.
Princess Cadance: I have!
It disappears as soon as Applejack turns her back to lead the way across the floor. Twilight and (Y/N) do not fail to notice.
(Y/N): (Yeah. . . Definitely a scheming type attitude.)
Applejack then grabs a tray of fritters in her teeth and pivots to face Cadance, who levitates one and takes a bite. However, when she did levitate one, her magic aura was a different color which (Y/N) noticed as he went wide-eyed from that as well.
(Y/N): (Green?! Last time I met her, her aura was light blue! How is that even possible?!)
Swallowing the fritter, Cadance makes herself smile and chuckle.
Princess Cadance: Delicious! I love-love-love them. *nervous laugh*
(Y/N) and Twilight were not convinced by that, however Applejack was.
Applejack: Aw, shucks. Why don't you take a few to go?
Applejack hands her a paper bag with a big squeaky grin, Cadance floats it up, gets it in her teeth, and heads out.
Applejack: I know how you brides can be. So busy, you forget to get a little somethin' in your belly.
With Applejack not looking, (Y/N) and Twilight still observe Cadance as she stops right in front of the door and she sees a trash can. She then tosses the paper bag in the trash can which makes both (Y/N) and Twilight give a small gasp of shock before (Y/N) scowls as Cadance and she closes the door with her magic.
Twilight Sparkle: Did. . . you see what she. . .
(Y/N): Yeah, love them, my flank. Come on, let's go see what else she judging.
Twilight nods as they both stalk away to go and see more of how their friends are doing.
In a dressing room at the top of a tower, Rarity was inside with her glasses on and horn glowing as she stitches intently at a piece of work. Twilight paces behind her, plenty heated up while (Y/N) stood near the door with his hoof on his chin thinking to himself about Cadance.
Twilight Sparkle: Oh, you should have seen how she acted back there. I don't know when she changed, but she changed! *mocking* Please, call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.
(Y/N): (She's right. When I met her, she just allowed me to call her Cadance. I don't know if it was because I'm somewhat of royalty or not, but either way she's definitely weird.)
?: Did I hear someone say my name?
That voice was of course, Princess Cadance as she enters with three unicorn mares close behind. Rarity zips over to her and bows with measuring tape hanging down from her neck.
Rarity: Your highness! Let me just start by saying what an honor it is to play a role in such a momentous occasion.
She repeats the bow with a nervous chuckle as Cadance just stares down at her with a frown.
Princess Cadance: Uh-huh. Is my dress ready?
Princess Cadance walks ahead of her as Rarity follows her to show her bridal dress. They stop at the mannequin on which she was doing her dress construction.
Rarity: Y-Yes, of course. Um, I've been working on it ever since I was given the assignment, and I think you'll be pleased with the results! Mmm!
The dress consists of a skirt built up from several layers of pale cream-colored fabric with yellow trim, a pale blue belt around the midsection, and a pale blue/yellow-striped sash running from one side to the other across the chest. This last item is trimmed with pale blue lace and set with a brooch consisting of a bright blue gem in a gold frame and a wreath of flowers rests atop the head.
However, Cadance was not impressed by the designs of the dress at all.
Princess Cadance: I was hoping for something with more beading and a longer train.
The crestfallen designer levitates a notepad and quill to take this down.
Rarity: Oh, yes, of course.
Cadence then eyes three other mannequins decked out in simpler versions of this dress, each a different pastel shade. Each of these heads sports a string of pale blue pearls with a small bunch of flowers.
Princess Cadance: And those should be a different color.
Twinkleshine: I think they're lovely.
Minuette: Me too!
Lyra Heartstrings: I love them.
Princess Cadance then glares back toward the trio of mares and they shut up in a hurry.
Princess Cadance: Make them a different color.
She strides away, paying no mind to the vexed Twilight and (Y/N). Rarity quickly gets back into her work.
Twilight Sparkle: Gee, maybe her name should be "Princess Demandy-pants."
(Y/N): (Wow, I never seen her be so picky before either. This is just getting more confusing by the minute.)
At the hall of the Canterlot royal palace, balloons in assorted shapes and colors are anchored by the windows, bouquets have been placed on the columns at either side, and confetti is strewn about the floor and the heart-decorated carpet runner. Pinkie darts and bounces excitedly around a singularly unenthusiastic Cadance.
Pinkie Pie: Okay, let me see. We've been over the games. . .
She zips over to an array of them at one side, rolls the dice for a board game with a huge squeaky grin, and darts back.
Pinkie Pie: . . .the dances. . .
Another lightning-fast dive carries her to a top-hatted mannequin and a phonograph. It plays for a moment as she gambols and zips back with a happy gasp.
Pinkie Pie: I think this reception is gonna be perfect! Don't you?
Princess Cadance smiles after that sentence.
Princess Cadance: Perfect!
However expectedly, it turns into a frown as she walks off.
Princess Cadance: *sarcastically* . . .If we were celebrating a six-year-old's birthday party.
Pinkie Pie: *gasps* Thank you!
Twilight's eyes glare daggers after the snooty princess as she hides behind a pillar. When Cadance was out of sight, (Y/N) then appears with the same glare as he used an invisibility spell to make himself hidden for a short time.
It is now nighttime as Princess Luna flies down through the barrier of Canterlot and glides down towards Celestia's lookout to take her sister's place.
Princess Luna: Rest, my sister. As always, I will guard the night.
Princess Celestia then heads off inside to get some sleep while her sister takes over her duty of guarding the city.
Down at a street corner café, Twilight joins the rest of her friends at a table as she sits a drink down.
Twilight Sparkle: Bet I can guess what you're all thinking. Cadance is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever.
Six pairs of eyes snap wide open at her judgment as Spike pulls out his Cadance figurine.
Spike: *high voice* Who, me?
Applejack: Spike! That goes on the cake.
He tosses it down with a sheepish laugh.
Rarity: Twilight, whatever are you talking about? Cadance is an absolute gem!
(Y/N): Rarity! Are you insane? You saw how overcritical she was with your dress and I could see the venom in her eyes when was being so demanding.
Rarity: Well, of course she is! Why shouldn't she expect the very best on her wedding day?
(Y/N): Yeah, but she was acting like she's some sort of dictator.
Twilight Sparkle: Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just 'love-love-loved' your hors d'oeuvres, she threw them in the trash?
Applejack: Aw, she was probably just trying to spare my feelin's.
(Y/N): Spare your feelings! How is throwing something someone offers you away in a trash can sparing someponies feelings?! Plus Applejack, I'm sure you could tell that she was lying when she said that she loved them.
Applejack: Aw, come on (Y/N). She's a princess. I'm sure she didn't want to be too rude especially on her wedding day.
(Y/N) rolls his eyes at that.
(Y/N): What about you, Fluttershy?
Fluttershy: She did raise her voice at one of my birds during rehearsal.
Twilight Sparkle: See? Rude!
She crosses her forelegs with a smirk, but not before Fluttershy made an excuse pulling up one of her birds on her foreleg.
Fluttershy: But he was singing really off-key.
The bird produces a couple of tuneless squawks that force Twilight to cover her ears, (Y/N) cringed, and it set Rainbow Dash's teeth on edge.
Twilight Sparkle: Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed how Cadance treated-
However, her words fell on deaf ears as Pinkie and Spike were playing with the wedding cake figurines.
Twilight Sparkle: Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?
Rainbow Dash is seen flexing her wings and legs.
Rainbow Dash: Sorry, Twi. Been too busy prepping for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude.
Twilight simply growls at that and (Y/N) facehoofs.
Rarity: The princess is about to get married. I'm sure any negative behavior she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves.
That struck a nerve on Twilight as she stands up, slamming her front hooves onto the table hard enough to nearly tip her glass.
Twilight Sparkle: And I'm sure it's the result of being an awful pony who doesn't deserve to even know Shining Armor, let alone marry him!
Her friends stare at her in silence for a bit before Applejack is first to speak up after the outburst is finished.
Applejack: Think maybe you're bein' just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?
Everypony but (Y/N) agrees to this as this makes (Y/N) slightly irritated.
(Y/N): Are you kidding me right now? How are you so oblivious to the fact that she's not liking any of the things that you all planned for her?
Pinkie Pie: Well I guess that means we'll just have to work harder.
(Y/N): Work harder?!
Applejack: (Y/N), maybe you're just getting a little too serious since you now got a temporary promotion as a guard.
(Y/N) then slams his front hooves on the table which makes the mares flinch a little.
(Y/N): Or. . . maybe you all are so blinded by the fact that you like your wedding roles more than to be concerned about anything right now?
The five including Spike look at each other before they shake their heads at that.
Fluttershy: I don't think so.
Rainbow Dash: Nah, it's not happening.
Rarity: Darling, we're very focused. We'll definitely tell you if the situation is dire, but right now we need to prepare for the wedding. That's our top priority right now.
Twilight growls as Rarity says that and she walks off. (Y/N) decides to fly off as well to another location leaving the mares and dragon to trade a round of thoroughly bewildered stares.
With leaving his friends behind to go do other things, (Y/N) to walk around the royal palace and some guards were following him due to his new promotion as a corporal of the royal guard. As he was still walking, he turns to the guards following him.
(Y/N): Why don't you guys up front and guard the central corridor? I actually need some alone time right now.
The guards salute to that as they walk in the opposite direction that (Y/N) was going. He had a troubled look on his face as he didn't know what to do about Cadance.
(Y/N): I don't get this. Cadance was such a nice pony once and she treated everypony around her with respect when I was around. Things have also been different about her current attitude as well. I don't know if she's up to something or is just snotty in general, but I have to get to the bottom of this. My friends won't help me. They're too busy with their roles in the wedding.
As (Y/N) walks around the palace, he kept looking to see if anypony was around at the moment, but due to it being nighttime, there could only be guards or maybe just one pony walking to go and get some sleep, but other than that nopony was around for (Y/N) to ask questions.
(Y/N): *sighs* I guess this might be a needle in a haystack situation. Man, who can I ask for information about Cadance that knows her well?
Just as (Y/N) says that, a voice spoke up.
?: You said that you need information on Princess Cadance, eh?
(Y/N) then turns to that voice as he sees a shadowy figure in the distance as it came closer.
(Y/N): Who are you? You kind of sound familiar.
The figure then walks up closer to (Y/N) as once in got into the moonlight, (Y/N) gets a surprised look for who he sees right in front of him right now.
It was Prince Blueblood who (Y/N) thought was very unexpected.
(Y/N): Prince Blueblood?!
Prince Blueblood: Hello once again, (Y/N) (L/N).
(Y/N): What are you doing here?
Prince Blueblood: I thought I heard voices coming from this way so I wanted to see where it coming from and it turns out that I run into the Hero of Ponyville of all ponies. Or should I say, new corporal solider of the royal guard?
(Y/N): Yep, I got this assignment from the groom and captain himself.
Prince Blueblood: You must be extremely lucky to get such a huge role for the royal wedding.
(Y/N): *chuckles* I guess I am, and I'm more than honored to do it. So. . . how has life been in Canterlot?
Prince Blueblood: I've actually been better ever since the Grand Galloping Gala, I was able to not be as snobby towards other ponies since then thanks to you and it's caused my reputation to go up just a bit.
(Y/N) smiles from that.
(Y/N): See? I told you that you don't need to act like you're better than somepony else in order to be popular.
Prince Blueblood: And right you were.
Both give a little laugh from that before (Y/N) get's a serious look.
(Y/N): Hey. . . I know we weren't on the same terms before, but it is okay if I ask you a question?
Prince Blueblood: I don't see why not.
Both them then started walking across the corridor together as they start a conversation.
(Y/N): You know Princess Cadance, well right?
Prince Blueblood: But of course, she's my cousin.
(Y/N): Have you noticed anything. . . different about her?
Prince Blueblood then sighs from that before getting a slightly worried look.
Prince Blueblood: So you've noticed as well? Yes, she and I. . . haven't really been on speaking terms for the last few days.
(Y/N): What was she like in those past few days?
Prince Blueblood: She's been very demanding and just plain mean. I politely asked her once if she was okay and she got up straight in my face angrily like she was going to bite my head off.
(Y/N) was shocked to hear that as that definitely doesn't sound like the Cadance that he met before when he visited Canterlot.
(Y/N): Well, that's rude even towards you. What else?
Prince Blueblood: I sometimes see her making these weird sinister laughs, especially when she's around Shining Armor. Also, I noticed a change in her magic as well. She's been able to do these things like conjure up a green flame of some sorts. That was indeed some weird magic that I could possibly only see from you.
(Y/N): Make a flame, huh? That is new. Anything else?
Prince Blueblood: Yes and this is what drew the line to tell me that Cadance wasn't normal at all. I saw her with Shining Armor in a room once and Shining got his headaches from making the dome that's around Canterlot and Cadance made this weird beam towards his horn that caused his eyes to go green and make him feel dizzy rather than okay.
(Y/N) then got a serious glare as he could tell that this Cadance in Blueblood's story is definitely like the one that he's been seeing and starts pacing.
(Y/N): Rude reactions? Sinister laughs? Different magic? Making her groom feel dizzy?! This is something that should be said to Princess Celestia! Has she seen these occurrences?
Prince Blueblood: *sighs* No. I told her everything that I saw from those last couple of days as she didn't believe me.
(Y/N) went wide-eyed from that.
Prince Blueblood: She said that Cadance was probably just stressed over all of what we're doing for the wedding and that all brides are like that. I even told her the fact that I saw Cadance making Shining Armor dizzy and she said that it was suppose to heal his pain from making the shield.
(Y/N) groans from that as he couldn't believe that Princess Celestia wouldn't believe her own nephew making these types of assumptions.
(Y/N): So it all comes down to it. Cadance could be plotting something diabolical, but I don't want to come to that conclusion just yet. I need to confirm this.
Prince Blueblood: How do you plan on doing that?
(Y/N) turns to Blueblood and smirks.
(Y/N): You're talking to the same guy who can battle a corrupted mare and face off against an Ursa Minor. I should be able to handle the situation.
?: Handle what situation?
Both (Y/N) and Blueblood jump from that condescending tone as they turn to see Princess Cadance walking up to both of them with a stern look. She then eyes (Y/N) as he glares at her.
Princess Cadance: You! Shouldn't you be outside with the other guards guarding the palace?! We didn't get tons and tons of guards for nothing! Get to it!
(Y/N): *sarcastically* Yeah. . . sure.
Princess Cadance then walks up to Blueblood with a stern look.
Princess Cadance: And you! I thought I told you NOT to stay up late today!
Prince Blueblood: But the wedding doesn't even start until the afternoon.
Princess Cadance: Doesn't matter!
As they were both talking, (Y/N) glows his horn and closes his eyes to then sense some of Cadance's energy and when he does, he gives a small gasp as a thought came to his mind.
(Y/N): (That's not Cadance. . . that's not her at all. . .)
Princess Cadance?: If I find you sleeping in tomorrow mister, I am not going to be happy! Do I make myself clear?!
Prince Blueblood: *groans* Yes.
Princess Cadance?: Yes, what?
Prince Blueblood: Ugh! Yes, ma'am.
Princess Cadance? then walks off in a very stern manner as (Y/N) just stares at her with a glare before she's gone. Prince Blueblood then turns to (Y/N) with a serious look.
Prince Blueblood: *sighs* This is exactly what I explained. She's been like that.
(Y/N): Well, don't worry. I'm going to get to the bottom of this.
Prince Blueblood is surprised by this.
(Y/N): We may have information that only we can see, but that doesn't mean it can't be vague for some others to believe. I'll look deeper into this, so I can find what. . . "Cadance" is planning.
Prince Blueblood smiles from that.
Prince Blueblood: I see why they call you the Hero of Ponyville now and why my aunt thinks highly of you.
(Y/N) returns the smile back to him.
(Y/N): I'm just doing what I can to make sure that I protect everypony at all costs and that includes here as well, not just Ponyville.
Prince Blueblood: Well I guess all I can do is wish you luck, (Y/N). Be safe with investigating Cadance.
(Y/N): Don't worry, I will.
(Y/N) then starts to walk in the direction out of the palace, however Blueblood has one final thing to ask him.
Prince Blueblood: By the way, (Y/N)?
(Y/N) turns his head back to the prince.
(Y/N): Yeah?
Prince Blueblood: Are we. . . friends?
(Y/N) stares at Blueblood for a minute before he smiles and nods.
(Y/N): Yeah. . . we're friends.
Blueblood smiles from that as (Y/N) then takes his leave to go to a different part of the palace.
Outside, Luna is still seen keeping watch over the telescope. Looking off to one side, she turns away from the telescope and addresses herself over the railing as she sees a figure flying towards the palace.
Princess Luna: Who goes there?
However, it was just (Y/N) which gives Princess Luna some relief at seeing him.
Princess Luna: Stay safe, (Y/N) (L/N).
(Y/N) flies towards the entrance of the castle as he knew that's where his friends were and lands in front of the front doors. As he is about to open it however, some hoofsteps are heard as Twilight could be seen racing towards him.
(Y/N): Twilight, what's going on?
Twilight Sparkle: Come on, I need to tell our friends about Cadance and what I saw!
(Y/N) nods from that as they both burst the door open to see the rest of the Mane 7.
Twilight Sparkle: Shining Armor's in real trouble! You have to help-
That sentence goes in the trash bin due to a brain-twisting surprise from not only her, but also (Y/N) at what they see now. The mares were seen decked out in a set of outfits that bear some resemblance to the three bridesmaid dresses Rarity was working on earlier. Rainbow-striped with cloud trim for Rainbow Dash, green with yellow trim for Applejack, light blue for Rarity, yellow for Pinkie, violet for Fluttershy. All five have flowered strings of white pearls on their heads; in addition, Rainbow's mane has been tied in a loose bunch, Applejack's is done in waves, Pinkie's is piled atop her head, and Fluttershy has a few extra curls in hers.
All five are chattering happily away and showing off while (Y/N) and Twilight were shocked.
(Y/N): What's with the new dresses?!
Fluttershy flies up to both of them very excitedly.
Fluttershy: Can you believe it? We're gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's new bridesmaids!
Twilight Sparkle: New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?
Applejack: She didn't say. But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we'd fill in for them.
(Y/N): And that's it! You just spared her the details?!
Rarity: Darling, she's been very perceptive of all of our hard work and we couldn't be more than happy to say no to that.
Applejack: And y'all had your doubts about her.
Rarity: Told you she was an absolute gem!
(Y/N) was just dumbfounded by the mares' gullible attitude.
(Y/N): Are you crazy? Does none of this seem fishy to you?
The new bridesmaids decided to ignore (Y/N) on that.
Rainbow Dash: You sure this is what I should wear? Doesn't seem all that aerodynamic.
Rarity: Hmm. I'll see what I can do.
Rarity trots past her and as Rainbow Dash follows her out, Applejack puts her hat back on and resumes her small talk with Fluttershy and Pinkie. Not one brain cell in the bunch registers Twilight's departure and (Y/N) just stares at his friends with complete disbelief as he walks up to them.
(Y/N): Girls, I'm not crazy! I literally talked with Celestia's niece Blueblood and he told me specifically that Cadance isn't normal at all. How does that not make any sense?
Pinkie Pie: I'm sure he's probably jealous that his cousin is getting married before he is.
Applejack: That does seem like a logical explanation.
(Y/N): How is that a logical explanation?! You just assumed that! He even told me that Cadance once got up in his face in a way that was beyond anger.
Fluttershy: (Y/N), I sure it's just stress. You're probably overreacting. Being a guard for the wedding would definitely make you paranoid since a threat was made to the city.
Pinkie and Applejack agreed to that as they both continued talking to each other and (Y/N) was just straight up shocked that neither of them believed them after that. He growls in anger from that and walks out of the place.
(Y/N): *sarcastically* Well, this is just nice! None of my friends except for Twilight believe the fact that Cadance is not a good mare. Why are they so focused on the wedding?! Shouldn't they put our concerns with them as well?!
(Y/N) stares up at the sky and shakes his head in disgust.
(Y/N): Ugh! No use pondering over it. I have to do something soon before Cadance does something even worse to somepony.
It is now the following day as it is the wedding rehearsal, and Celestia and Shining Armor stand on a raised dais at one end of the hall and Spike stands on a lower step while holding a small pillow as he was on ring-bearer duty. (Y/N) was to the left of Celestia with a bored look on his face while crossing his forelegs. The area is liberally bedecked with flowers and banners, including an archway on the dais, but the lack of any formal attire indicates that this is a wedding rehearsal. An organ plays as the five bridesmaids are seen advancing slowly up the aisle.
Princess Celestia: Perfect, girls. No need to rush. Then of course, Cadance will enter.
Two guards by the doors at the other end of the hall then swing open the doors to reveal Princess Cadance?.
Shining Armor smiles warmly as she makes her stately way along the aisle, the five bridesmaids having moved to Celestia's right and taken places on the dais' steps. (Y/N) just narrows his eyes at her trying to observe and see if she tries anything funny.
The music then shifts to Here Comes The Bride as Cadance? walks up on the dais.
Princess Celestia: I'll say a few words, and then we'll begin with the vows. Shining Armor, you'll get the ring from your best mare.
He looks over his shoulder, surprise registering on both his and Celestia's faces as Twilight is nowhere to be seen. Spike is once again seen playing with the figurines meant for the wedding cake.
Shining Armor: Hey. . . has anypony seen Twilight?
The sound of a doorknob turning under magic control is then heard as everypony looks to see Twilight has let herself in and she had a look that was anything but excited or happy.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!
Shining Armor grimaces and turns to Cadance?.
Shining Armor: I'm sorry, I. . . I don't know why she's acting like this.
Princess Cadance?: Maybe we should just ignore her.
Twilight Sparkle: You have to listen to me!
Twilight grits her teeth as Fluttershy moves in.
Fluttershy: Oh, goodness! Are you okay?
Twilight Sparkle: I'm fine.
Applejack then comes up to her concerned.
Applejack: Ya sure about that?
A quick burst of magic pulls the brown cowboy hat off and shoves it into Applejack's face hard enough to bulldoze her away. Twilight then strides ahead with a look of complete seriousness.
Twilight Sparkle: I've got something to say!
All the others but (Y/N) look uneasily after her and Twilight points directly at Cadance?.
Twilight Sparkle: She's evil!
Everypony gives a round of bewildered reactions while (Y/N) just stares at Twilight confronting Cadance?.
Twilight Sparkle: She's been horrible to my friends, she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all. . .
She finishes the accusation by letting her eyes spin in their sockets while her tongue lolls out the side of her mouth. Dead silence from Shining Armor and the others, coupled with a pop-eyed stare from Celestia. (Y/N) looks back and forth between Twilight and Cadance? just simply observing without any reactions. Cadance? has barely enough time to blush and grin before Twilight gets back in her face. A savage smile plasters itself across Twilight's face and the accused reacts by falling apart into a crying mess.
Princess Cadance?: *sobbing* Why are you doing this to me?!
She then gallops away continuing and nopony saw it, but (Y/N) rolls his eyes at Cadance? crying as he could tell that was planned.
Twilight Sparkle: Because you're evil! Evil! And if I don't stop you, you're gonna ruin my brother's life!
The mares had a lot of panicked confusion and (Y/N) still observes to see how her friends will respond to this.
Twilight now trots smugly back into the hall, only to run flat into Shining and tumble backward to the carpet. He is clearly not a bit pleased, and her placating grin does nothing to help things at all.
Shining Armor: You want to know why my eyes went all. . .
He lets them spin for a moment, then winces as a fresh bolt of pain lances through his head.
Shining Armor: Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadance hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic to HEAL me!
Twilight gets a bit of air into her lungs to try and retort to that, but he resumes before she can start in.
Shining Armor: And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty! And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with your *stomps hoof* friends, it's because with me being so busy, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!
Twilight Sparkle: I was just trying to-
Shining Armor: She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be perfect! Something that obviously wasn't important to you!
Shining Armor gets another one of the said migraines as Twilight extends a tentative hoof, but he backs off once he gets his wits settled.
Shining Armor: Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride! And you can forget about being my best mare! In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all!
(Y/N) blank stare then turns to shock as he just heard that Twilight was no longer invited to the wedding. Twilight drops back to her haunches and aims a helpless, beseeching glance back towards her friends and their faces display varied degrees of disgust, horror, and shock.
Applejack: C'mon, y'all. Let's go check on the princess.
(Y/N) becomes so shocked in his entire life by that as he could not believe what Applejack just suggested and to an even more shock, they all trot, hop, or fly out past her, all twelve eyes resolutely turned away from her general direction and the last to leave is Celestia and she has an icy look on her face that was on Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: I was. . .
Princess Celestia: You have a lot to think about.
Twilight gapes after her departing mentor, tears welling up in the huge purple eyes, and watches the doors close with the same two-tone magic that the guards used to open them. They have left as well.
Twilight then just drops to the floor in complete tears that everypony did not even believe a single word that she said.
Well. . . not everypony.
Hoofsteps are then heard as somepony walks up to Twilight and she looks up to see that it was (Y/N) who looked at her with complete sympathy inside of him. He sits right beside her and wraps a hoof around her to bring her a little closer to him. Twilight just hugs (Y/N) which he returns and rubs her back to try and comfort her.
(Y/N): Don't worry Twilight. . . I believe you.
Twilight Sparkle: *sniffles* You do. . .?
(Y/N) then breaks the hug and looks at Twilight straight in the eyes for what he says next.
(Y/N): Of course. I know for a fact that you wouldn't make something this up and besides, I also sensed from evil intent coming from Cadance as well.
Twilight looks down a little and (Y/N) puts a hoof under her chin to make her look back at him.
(Y/N): Listen I know you knew Cadance well and I did too. I know for a fact that we're both not wrong about Cadance being evil. Like I said, I sense some evil magic inside of her which means that she's definitely not up to anything good.
(Y/N) then breaks the hug that they had as Twilight wiped her tears away from her eyes.
Twilight Sparkle: So what are you going to do? I can't go back in there.
(Y/N) then gets a serious look on his face from that.
(Y/N): If you can't go to the wedding. . .
(Y/N) then takes the helmet off that Shining Armor gave him and threw it to the side.
(Y/N): . . .Then I'm not going either.
Twilight barely smiles that at least one of her friends believe her about Cadance?.
Twilight Sparkle: Thanks (Y/N). . . I just wish the others would listen to me as well.
(Y/N) looks at the door and back to Twilight before getting a furious look.
(Y/N): Leave that to me.
(Y/N) then walks ahead of Twilight as she just looks at him with concern.
Twilight Sparkle: Where are you going, (Y/N)?
(Y/N): About to teach our friends a VERY important lesson. You stay here and I'll be back.
Twilight nods at that as (Y/N) opens the doors with his magic to go and confront his friends.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane 7 were still walking through the corridor slowly alone along with Spike.
Spike: *sighs* I've never seen Twilight be so blunt before. Especially towards Cadance.
Rainbow Dash: Can you believe that she actually thinks that the princess is evil? I mean to be honest, I've never noticed.
Applejack: Yeah, seriously. Out of all of the things that Twilight made assumptions of, this has got to be the stupidest out of all of them.
The rest of the mares agree to that, but not before a voice called out to them.
?: Stupidest, my flank!
Everypony heard that as they turn around to see (Y/N) and he had a very, very furious expression on his face.
Applejack: (Y/N)? What took ya so long?
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, we were wondering what you were what you were doing. Did you tell Twilight that she was wrong about-
(Y/N): Let me stop you right there! Do you all honestly believe that Twilight would be stupid enough to make a dumb accusation about somepony being malicious?
The mares didn't like that question as they all glare at (Y/N).
Applejack: Oh, so you're on Twilight's side too on the princess being evil and all?
Rarity: You saw how she reacted with tears in her eyes, (Y/N)! Don't go telling us that this is all a setup!
(Y/N): It IS a setup! She been treating you all differently ever since yesterday and the only ponies who noticed it were Twilight and I! Do you really believe that I'm making that up?!
Fluttershy: But (Y/N), she made us the bridesmaids for the ceremony. I don't she could be that mean.
(Y/N): Oh, please! That's a setup as well! When I saw the former bridesmaids, they were nice and gave compliments to Rarity's dresses for them, but by the look I saw, Cadance definitely didn't like that fact at all. Do you all even get what I'm saying?!
Rainbow Dash: This coming from the exact same guy who was blinded by arrogance in a competition.
(Y/N): You're one to talk!
Rarity: (Y/N), I think that you just need to face the fact that Twilight is being very clingy to her brother and this is exactly what made it happen! Being invited to a wedding that had her brother as the groom.
(Y/N): This has NOTHING to do with Shining Armor at all! Three words! Cadance! Is! Evil!
Applejack: Well ya quit it with all that?! I think I would have been able to see an evil princess from three miles away!
(Y/N): And yet you didn't! You all weren't even paying attention to even notice one small detail about Cadance's attitude towards you or other ponies around!
Rarity: (Y/N), you've met her for only a couple of days. What makes you think that you know the princess better?
(Y/N): Maybe I don't, but Twilight does! She's known Cadance ever since she was a foal.
The mares and Spike all look at each other from that before back to (Y/N).
(Y/N): Twilight stated that she's done so many things with her when she was young and that she was caring and kind! And that Cadance back from then is not what we see now! A snobby and arrogant princess that makes demands like she's some kind of queen of all Equestria!
Spike: You make a good point.
Pinkie Pie: But can't your personality change as you grow up? I mean it happened to me!
(Y/N): Pinkie, one you're a completely different pony than she is. And two, you barely know ANYTHING about her!
Everypony flinches at little as (Y/N) was starting to raise his voice a little more.
Rainbow Dash: Well if that's the case, then give us solid proof that Cadance is evil.
(Y/N): I sensed evil energy coming from her last night. She didn't do the little dance that Twilight and her always do! And I even spoke with her cousin, Prince Blueblood! And he specifically told me that "Cadence has been acting strange for the past few days now and she's was mean!" Is that good enough proof for you?!
Rarity: Prince Blueblood? Hmph!
Fluttershy: Could it be a tinge of jealousy? I'm sure someponies could be a little jealous from not being the first to get married.
Applejack: And (Y/N), this could just be a flaw with your magic.
(Y/N): What?!
Applejack: I'm just sayin'. Unicorn and alicorn magic ain't perfect. It's not like it works one hundred percent of the time.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, (Y/N). Maybe it just some stress that you were sensing from Cadance or maybe your magic is on the fritz.
(Y/N) simply just looks at each one of the mares with a look of disbelief before it changes. . .
He was beyond irritated from that.
(Y/N): So that's it?! None of you are going to believe a single word that Twilight and I say?!
Applejack: (Y/N), look we-
(Y/N): No! No! I guess you're right! I should've seen this one coming! It's not exactly like you all are new to this concept anyway!
Rainbow Dash: Geez, that's a little harsh.
(Y/N): Of all of the ponies in Equestria, why would MY friends, who are the Elements of Harmony for crying out loud, not trust another Element of Harmony about a warning that involves malicious intent?!
Unbeknownst to both of the girls and (Y/N), his pupils blinked a glow of (F/C) for a second.
Rarity: Darling, of course we trust you.
(Y/N): Then why aren't you believing anything that I say?!
Rarity: The princess has come a long way to becoming a bride (Y/N), and it's up to us to make it perfect like she wants. We just have more important things than you and Twilight at the moment like the wedding.
That last part made (Y/N) go wide eyed as he could not believe what Rarity just said and he changed his tone to a normal stern tone.
(Y/N): What. . . did you just say?!
Rarity: We have important things to focus on than you and Twilight giving us some pointless information that's not even true.
(Y/N) then looks straight to the ground as a shadow covers his eyes. His own friends literally cared about the wedding more than his or Twilight's feelings and he couldn't believe that they even said that straight to his face. (Y/N) then lets out a mischievous chuckle.
(Y/N): *quietly* Are you kidding me. . .?
Fluttershy: D-Did you say something (Y/N)?
(Y/N) was still looking down at the ground with a shadow over his eyes as he lets out another chuckle before raising his voice a little more.
(Y/N): Are you kidding me. . .?!
It was that moment that (Y/N) pulled his head up to show his glowing (F/C) eyes and he looked like he wanted let aggression out on everything and he then yelled so loud that it caused him to do the royal Canterlot voice.
(Y/N): *booming voice* ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
(Y/N) then stomps his hoof on the ground hard which causes a gust of wind to blow right at the Mane 5 and they were all so surprised by (Y/N)'s anger that he flew up into the air and continued to scold his friends with his loud voice.
(Y/N): *booming voice* WHAT KIND OF FRIENDS ARE YOU?! AFTER ALL I'VE DONE FOR YOU AND AFTER YOU'VE DONE FOR ME, THIS IS HOW YOU RETURN THE FAVOR?!
(Y/N)'s aura then instantly starts to turn dark as he continued to yell.
(Y/N): *booming voice* I'VE THOUGHT ALL OF THIS TIME THAT YOU WOULD HAVE EACH OTHER'S BACK, BUT I WAS WRONG! LOOKS LIKE YOU NEVER DID ANYTHING FOR ME FROM THE START!
The Mane 5 and Spike were so scared that Fluttershy hid behind Rainbow Dash, Pinkie hid behind Applejack, and Spike hid behind Rarity.
Rainbow Dash: Us?! What did we do?!
(Y/N): *booming voice* YOU GAVE ME A HOME IN PONYVILLE! YOU SAVED ME FROM A CHAOTIC MONSTER! AND YOU EVEN HELPED ME SEE THE ERROR OF MY OWN WAYS ONCE! AND NOW YOU ALL ARE ACTING LIKE IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER BECAUSE OF THIS STUPID WEDDING!
(Y/N)'s aura got even darker as magic started to rain out of his body which the mares notice, but they didn't say a word about it as they didn't want to see even more of (Y/N)'s bad side.
Applejack: (Y/N)! Will ya calm down?! What's yer problem?!
(Y/N): *booming voice* My problem?! MY PROBLEM?! MY PROBLEM IS THAT YOU ALL CARE MORE ABOUT YOUR SUCCESSES THAN YOUR OWN FRIENDS! APPLEJACK, YOU JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY FOR THE FARM! RAINBOW DASH, YOU ONLY WANT TO PERFORM YOUR SONIC RAINBOOM TO IMPRESS THE WONDERBOLTS! PINKIE, ALL YOU WANT TO ENJOY IS THE PARTY! RARITY, YOU WANT YOUR FAME AS A FASHIONISTA TO RISE! FLUTTERSHY, YOU WANT TO JUST REUNITE WITH THE ANIMALS! IF THAT'S NOT A REASON FOR ME TO BE ANGRY RIGHT NOW, THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!
(Y/N)'s aura was nearly black as even more magic was coming out from his body and spreading around the area. The mares were just dumbfounded by everything they're seeing and what he just said. They all looked at each other and realized that he was right. . .
They're not being valuable friends at all.
They all had to do something to get (Y/N) to calm down from his enormous anger. Spike then comes from behind Rarity as he runs up to (Y/N).
Spike: (Y/N)! I'm sorry! I should be apologizing to not only Twilight, but you as well. I didn't take her side because I was afraid that they would kick me out of the wedding as well! I honestly didn't mean to make you so angry! Honest!
(Y/N) voice then lowers just a little bit as he still did the royal Canterlot voice.
(Y/N): *booming voice* Alright Spike. That I can understand since you're young. What about the rest of you? What do you have to say for yourself?
The mares looked down to the ground in complete shame but they didn't say a word. (Y/N)'s aura then returns back to normal as he let out all of the anger that he had and he lands on the ground in front of the mares. He got a slight headache from doing the royal Canterlot voice, but he quickly shakes it away.
(Y/N): You all do realize that this is like the exact same incident with Twilight trying to turn in a non-weekly assignment to Princess Celestia! Clearly, none of you have learned that lesson if none of you took anything we said seriously! Honestly, you all are being too insensitive!
Mane 5: . . .
As there was still silence, (Y/N) just sighs and shakes his head and turns his back towards the mares.
(Y/N): Fine. . . if you all are going to be this way, then I might as well forget everything we've ever been though together.
The Mane 5 gasp at that as (Y/N) just said that he'll cut off his friendship with them.
(Y/N): I liked you all. . . very much. But I never be friends with some selfish ponies who only care about their own desires.
Pinkie's mane deflated a little from that.
Pinkie Pie: (Y-Y-Y/N), p-please don't. . .
(Y/N): Look, you can either leave. . . or you can come back and apologize to Twilight for abandoning her. And just so you know, if you do decide to leave. . . I don't want to see any of you ever again.
Rainbow Dash: *gasps* H-Hey, (Y/N). C-Come on, you're joking right? Y-Y-You wouldn't leave us.
(Y/N): Oh ho, on the contrary, if you all think that I'm kidding, then how would you like it if I said that I'd be willing to move to Manehattan. . . or the Everfree Forest. . . or maybe even go so far that I would find a way back to Earth just to not see your faces again.
The Mane 5 looked at each other with guilty looks and back to (Y/N) who still had his back facing towards them. They then all started to tear up as they knew that (Y/N) wasn't kidding about the whole never seeing them again and that he was right about them being selfish and not believing Twilight at all about the whole Cadance? being evil situation.
(Y/N) then waited for a response as the Mane 5 all just started crying and walked up to (Y/N) who was still not facing them.
Fluttershy: *sobbing* We're. . . we're so sorry, (Y/N).
Rarity: *sobbing* We never wanted it to come to this. We are very very sorry.
Applejack: *sobbing* Please don't leave us, sugarcube. I'm sorry. . . and that's the honest truth.
Rainbow Dash: *sobbing* I'm not ready to lose my friendship with you! I'm sorry, (Y/N)!
Pinkie Pie: *sobbing* I'll apologize as much as you want, (Y/N)! But you were right! We were a bunch of meanies!
They all were waiting for a response from (Y/N) as he still had his back turned to them. The mares thought at first that they weren't forgiven until. . .
(Y/N) turned to them with frown that turned into a small smile. The mares all smiled at that and Pinkie's mane went back to normal as they see now that (Y/N) forgives them. They then all shared a warm group hug for a brief moment before (Y/N) gives them a serious look.
(Y/N): So. . . what have you girls learned?
Rainbow Dash: Being awesome is not as important as being there for your friends.
Pinkie Pie: I'd rather see everypony's faces happy than get the best party of all time.
Applejack: It's not right to let your personal desires come first before your friends.
Fluttershy: There's nothing more important than having your friends and family with you.
Rarity: I could gather an audience of tons of patrons, but. . . I'd rather spend my time with all of my best friends.
(Y/N) then smiles at the girls learning an extremely valuable friendship lesson.
(Y/N): See? I knew you girls would see that you made a huge mistake, but that mistake is definitely something that can be sealed.
Rainbow Dash: *blushes* So. . . (Y/N). . . we're still friends, right?
(Y/N): We were never NOT friends, you dummy.
The Mane 6 then all share one more group hug and Spike joins in as well. It lasted for a minute before they all break it and Spike get's a worried look.
Spike: But wait, if what you said is true, then what can we do to stop Cadance?
(Y/N): Don't worry Spike, leave that to us.
Applejack: Yeah, we're gonna do more of some investigating on this here "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."
(Y/N): Yeah, but first you all still need to apologize to Twilight for abandoning her.
Rarity: He's right girls. We've treated Twilight that she's been wrong all of this time, but we never bothered to look into it with her. We must apologize and make things right.
Rainbow Dash: Took the words right out of my mouth Rarity.
(Y/N): Well. . . in that case, you all wait here while I go and get Twilight.
The mares nod at that as (Y/N) trots off to go and retrieve Twilight from the room that they did the rehearsal in.
(Y/N) arrives back at the wedding hall and opens the door.
(Y/N): Hey Twilight, good news, our friends-
However, what (Y/N) sees next brought a huge gasp of shock to him.
He sees Princess Cadance? conjure up a ring of flame around Twilight and hem her in. A psychotic grin later from the mare, and the fire has become a domed shield that begins to sink into the carpet, taking Twilight with it. As soon as Twilight was completely under the ground, (Y/N) just couldn't believe what he saw as he was mortified.
(Y/N): TWILIGHT!
Princess Cadance? then turns to the voice that yelled as she sees (Y/N) who then got a look of boiled rage at her.
(Y/N): I knew it! You're not Cadance! Or should I say. . . Changeling!
Princess Cadance?: Huh. You're pretty perceptive for somepony that's just a puny alicorn.
(Y/N): What did you do with Twilight?!
Princess Cadance? simply smirks at (Y/N).
Princess Cadance?: Nothing at all~. . .
(Y/N): Tch! You wish! You abducted my friend and I want her back NOW!
(Y/N) yells as he puts some magic energy in his hoof and charges at Cadence? recklessly. However as soon as he was about to punch her. . .
He froze in some green aura thanks to Cadance? who still had a smirk on her face.
Princess Cadance?: Now, now, now~. We can't have the bride injured in the wedding can we?
Princess Cadance? then walks up to then whisper in his ear.
Princess Cadance?: *whispers* Once the wedding is done, it won't just be you who I'll destroy. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Shining Armor himself will all bow down to me and there is nothing that you can do to stop me!
Princess Cadance then drops (Y/N) below the floor as he sinks beneath the floor.
(Y/N): NOOO!
Chapter 17 End. To be continued.